How would it feel to be able to walk and talk – but not at the same time? Or to feel like you are breathing through a wet towel? Ken Parker is 48 years old and this is what it’s like to live with severe engineered silicosis. Silicosis is an incurable, but preventable, work-related lung disease caused by inhaling tiny particles of carcinogenic crystalline silica dust released when cutting engineered stone. 

Ken worked as Stonemason for 20 years. He was very good at his job. And he had no idea that the dust which was everywhere – in the factory, all over his clothes, in his eyes/mouth – was dangerous. 

In this episode, Ken talks to James about how he became a Stonemason, the impact of receiving his diagnosis in 2018 and an official life-expectancy of 5-10 years.  He is now on trial medication to manage his condition in the hope that it will postpone the need for a double lung transplant. 

In this conversation, Ken talks candidly about his diagnosis, the impact it has had on every aspect of his life and his advice to people who think they may have been exposed. His incredibly resilient outlook is an inspiration – as he says: ‘Don’t let it bring you down.’ 

You can watch Ken on the Channel 9 60 minutes episode ‘The Last Gasp’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_hUJmtsucg

On the 03 April 2024, the NSW Government formally committed $5m to ADDRI for critical research into silicosis. You can watch the announcement here.

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au